Use when someone wants to apply for SNAP food benefits, Medicaid (Turquoise Care), or cash help (TANF or General Assistance), or needs to renew them.
In danger right now: call 911. Crisis or thoughts of suicide: call or text 988. Not sure where to start? Call the Silver City Gospel Mission: 575-388-5071. Police, fire or sheriff, not an emergency: 575-388-8840 (Central Dispatch). Print our list of phone numbers →
These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1Find out what they need
You can ask"Do you need help with food, with doctor bills, or with cash for basics?"
SNAP is a monthly card for buying groceries.
Medicaid (Turquoise Care) is free or low-cost health insurance.
TANF is cash help for very low-income families with children. General Assistance is for adults who cannot work.
2Gather what they have
Bring
Photo ID
proof of income (pay stubs or award letters)
rent and utility costs
Social Security numbers for everyone applying
children's birth certificates (for cash help)
You can say"Bring what you have. We can start even if something is missing."
At the Gospel MissionThey can use the Mission as their mailing address for free: Their Name, c/o Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City, NM 88061.
3Apply online together at YES New Mexico
At the Gospel MissionSit with them and apply at yes.state.nm.us.
NM Health Care Authority - YES New Mexico Connect
Online benefits portal and resource finder
· 24/7 online
4Or apply at the Income Support office
The office is at 3088 32nd St Bypass, Suite A, Silver City.
The lobby is open Mon-Fri 8:00 am-4:30 pm, closed 12:00-1:30 pm. Phone line Mon-Fri 7:00 am-6:30 pm.
NM Health Care Authority - Income Support Division (Grant County office)
2005 Hwy 180 W, Suite 500, Silver City · Phone intake Mon-Thu 9:30 am-4:00 pm at 1-833-545-4357; online application any time at newmexicolegalaid.org. Silver City office: 575-388-0091.
New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty
Help with SNAP, Medicaid and TANF problems and wage claims
This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
Know a better way? Is something out of date?
If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.
📞 We need volunteers to keep this guide up to date. You can help from home, an hour a week. See how →
Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City, 575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.